Will Curt Echo Brake Controller Drain Vehicle Battery

Question:

I have a 2018 Kia Sorento with the factory hitch installed. I am looking at using the ETBC7L 4 pin to 7 pin adapter and the 18136 bracket with the Curt Echo Wireless controller. I am concerned that the directly-connected positive wire will cause the Echo to drain the car battery even when the vehicle is shut off. It appears that the Echo will constantly be drawing power. Thank you!

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

That's a really good question, but the Curt Echo # C51180 will definitely not drain your vehicle battery. All brake controllers, including the Echo, have to get their power from the vehicle's 12 volt battery, but the controllers draw far too little power to affect the battery life.

Vehicle batteries recharge with use, so if you left any brake controller in and didn't turn the vehicle on for many months, it could have an effect at that point, but it would take a very, very long time. So if you leave a brake controller like the Echo in, so long as you drive your car more than a few times every year there are no battery drain issues.

As for what you need, you are on point with the 7-way, and the long mounting bracket will also work for you:

- Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180

- 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation # ETBC7L

- No-Drill Mount Bracket, Long # 18136

Overall the Echo is a superb choice for a brake controller because it is the easiest brake controller on the market to use and install, saves space because it doesn't require you to mount it in your cab, and is a proportional brake controller which responds to the deceleration of your Sorento for really smooth braking.